Hello Everyone,
I am new around here, and pretty new to woodworking. I have only done some basic 2x4 framed shelves, fish tank stands, and workbenches. I also put together a rather nice looking deck IMO a few months ago. The point is, I am not exactly sure what direction I want to go into now; but it definitely is a more complex direction. I need a bench I can use for just about anything!
I read a bunch of threads here about proper workbench creation. I took the advise to read "The Workbench Design Book" by Christopher Schwarz. I think I have a pretty good grasp on it. I wanted to simplify things down a bit though, and make it my own as well. I am on a considerable budget as well, so building this at rock bottom prices are a huge concern.
I got some inspiration from Stumpy Nubs as well.
The bench measures 96"x21"x34". The cutout you see to the right hand side is for a 10" Jorgensen Handscrew that will function as the end vise. I got the idea from HERE. Look at pdf pg 5 or book pg 64.
The benchtop will be made from 6 YP 4x4s. The legs are also made from YP 4x4s, and the braces from YP 2x4s.
There will be 3/4" dogholes drilled every 3" center to center, inline with both the face vise and end vise.
The face vise will be a very budget option, but it has great reviews. It is a cheap 6 1/2" iron clamp from HERE. I know I will want the quick release after a while, but I can always upgrade later if it is really that big of a deal. The center of the clamp is about 9 3/4" from the left. This number was just made so the dogholes would line up nicely with the other length of dogholes going the other direction.
The mortises (Is that the right word? I am brand new to all this after all, lol) mounting the legs to the benchtop will be 2.5"x2.5" and 2" tall. That should leave 1.5" of meat on the benchtop before planing which I think should be sufficient. Everything will be secured with a few 3" wood screws going through the sides into the mortises.
I am including a Sketchup illustration as well as a jpg for those who don't want to download and open it up. I had to upload as a zip because the file exceeded the max size allowed on the forum for the Sketchup file type.
Total cost (without glue and screws):
6 4x4x96 @ $7 each = $42
2 4x4x72 @ $6 each = $12
1 2x4x144 @ $5 each = $5
Jorgensen Clamp @ Home Depot = $10
Face clamp = $26
Total = $95!!!
Now feel free to shoot a bunch of holes through my designs! I need the input!